Mental health 

Mental health is important for everyone and affects how we feel, think, act and interact with the world around us. We all want to feel safe, seen, understood and connected.

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association by naming, expressing and dealing with our emotions, we can improve our physical and mental health, reduce stress levels and feelings of anxiety and fear.

Everyone needs emotional support, and it’s even more important we are being real with one another. By being open to talking and hearing about real feelings, we can make a positive impact on others, ourselves and our community.

Let’s “get real” with our friends, neighbours and coworkers about how we are feeling. We’re all in this together. Visit mentalhealthweek.ca to learn ways to support our well-being during Mental Health Week from May 3 to 9.

Why is mental health important?

Mental health impacts your ability to enjoy life, your self-esteem, how you appreciate the ones around you, how you deal with life challenges (stress, distress) and your connections and sense of belonging with others and your community.

By building upon our strengths and skills within ourselves and creating meaningful connections with others, we build our resiliency. Resiliency is the ability to ‘bounce back’ after we experience hardships or stress.

Resiliency can be built through having supportive people to connect with, healthy relationships, and through self-care such as physical activity, proper sleep, making time for you and eating healthy, well balanced meals.

Youth wellness kits available at Strathcona County Library 

Are you looking for something new and fun? Check out and explore one of four wellness kits at home on your own or with supportive friends and family. Each kit is a little different than the others. 

• Good vibes only!
  Discover different ways to deal with big emotions, stress, identity and much more. 
• All the feels
  Learn about friendships, social media, connection, and healthy relationships. 
• Pride in my pack 
  Gain knowledge about LGBTQ2S+ topics and how to be an ally. 
• Creative spirits 
  Try different games and activities that encompass Indigenous perspectives and their rich culture. 

Kits are available to borrow with your library card at the Strathcona County Library.

Disclaimer: Family and Community Services supports empowering residents by providing tools to improve personal well-being and relationships. Some information provided is offered by external sources and is intended as information only. Strathcona County is not responsible for the accuracy, reliability or currency of the information supplied by external sources. Users wishing to rely on this information should consult directly with the information source.